As the NHL offseason settles into its quietest period, with August bringing a lull after free agency, the Vancouver Canucks have been at the center of numerous trade rumors, particularly surrounding Elias Pettersson. While general manager Ryan Johnson made a trade on July 1, sending Marcus Pettersson to the New York Rangers for a future first-round pick, more moves are anticipated across the league, potentially by September.
Jake DeBrusk to the Oilers?
Interest in Jake DeBrusk has seemingly cooled since the draft and free agency opening. While the Ottawa Senators showed interest before the draft, their subsequent moves likely removed them from contention. However, the Edmonton Oilers could still be looking to bolster their top six. DeBrusk has strong ties to Edmonton, being born there and his father part of the local broadcast team. Rumors have linked him to the Oilers since January, with speculation suggesting a potential summer move. While no official reports have surfaced recently, fans and analysts continue to speculate. Some proposals suggest a modest return for DeBrusk, but the Canucks should aim for a higher value, potentially a first-round pick or a prospect, given his scoring potential and low cap hit.
Elias Pettersson Trade Scenarios
Elias Pettersson remains a dominant topic of conversation for the Canucks this offseason. Despite widespread speculation, if no trade materializes soon, he is likely to start the season with Vancouver. Several teams have been mentioned as potential destinations, including the Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens. In mock trades, the Canadiens have been linked to a deal involving prospects like Adam Engstrom and Owen Beck, or even Kirby Dach, in exchange for Pettersson. However, his significant contract and no-move clause would likely necessitate salary retention from the Canucks. A more intriguing mock trade involves the Red Wings in a three-team deal with the Minnesota Wild. This scenario would send Dylan Larkin to the Wild, Ryan Hartman and Danila Yurov to Vancouver, with the Canucks retaining a portion of Pettersson's salary as he moves to Detroit. This deal would be highly beneficial for the Canucks' rebuild, bringing in a promising young winger and a veteran forward with trade deadline potential, along with a first-round pick.
Acquiring Shane Wright from the Kraken
Although quiet on the Shane Wright front, reports suggest the 2022 fourth-overall pick is interested in joining the Canucks. While he has no trade protection, his desire to play in Vancouver is a positive indicator. If a deal is struck, the Kraken's initial demand of high-end prospects like Tom Willander or Zeev Buium would likely be a non-starter for Vancouver. Wright, at 22, possesses significant potential as a top-six center and aligns with the Canucks' rebuilding timeline and attribute requirements. A fair return for Wright, as suggested by some, could be DeBrusk and a second or third-round pick, rather than jeopardizing the future of their top defensive prospects.
Canucks: A Trade Front Watch
Despite a quiet start to July for the Canucks in terms of trades, this is expected to change. Jake DeBrusk is considered the most likely player to be moved, and an acquisition of Shane Wright is also plausible. However, a trade involving Elias Pettersson seems less probable before the season begins. He is expected to start with the team, with any potential trade discussions being revisited closer to the deadline. The Canucks are poised to be a significant team to watch on the trade front, not only leading up to the season but beyond.
